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Diana HerreraEDSP 5750October 29,2016Accessible Pedestrian Signal Analysis

Introduction: I analyzed the intersection on Victory Blvd and Olive Ave. because it is close to my residence and because there is an article on the LA Times regarding this specific crosswalk. I utilized the Prioritization tool for Installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals Worksheets for the East/ West crosswalk to cross the south end of Victory Blvd. The intersection is located at a business area where there are businesses like the 7/11, used car sales shop, Jiffy Lube and a general shopping strip center.

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Intersection Worksheet Variables:

ConfigurationThe Victory Blvd and Olive Ave. is a plus shape. The East/ West crosswalk to cross the south end of Victory Blvd is skewed. The Prioritization tool for Installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals Worksheets describes the configuration as a 4-leg intersection. This plus shape configuration makes it easier for a traveler with visual impairments to cross.

SignalizationThe signalization of the intersection is both fully actuated and split phasing. Each corner of the intersection has an audible pedestrian signal that is only activated if the pedestrian pushes the button. The walk phase will be skipped if there isn’t anyone present at the crosswalk to push the button. The intersection also has split phasing signalization because people crossing the North end of Victory Blvd. obtain a walk phase before the people crossing the south end of Victory Blvd. if they don’t have protected left turners turning at that time and vice versa. This can be very confusing to a blind traveler even with the audible pedestrian signal because it starts chirping across the street and the individual might think that it’s appropriate to cross. I was actually going to start crossing before I got a walk phase because I heard the chirping on the other side. The people traveling West on the North crosswalk had a Walk signal but I was traveling West on the South crosswalk and had a Don’t Walk signal since the left bound West turning traffic had a protected turn. My recommendation is for the blind traveler to rely on their O&M skills as much as possible in coordination to with the audible signals.

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Transit Facilities within a Block (~ 1/8 mile) of Intersection — Any LegThere are multiple bus routes on this intersection. The southeast leg has a bus stop with 3 buses that stop there that travel East. The southwest leg has a bus stop for buses traveling south. The proximity of bus stops makes it more likely that there will be blind pedestrians traveling.

Distance to Facility Providing Services to the Blind or Visually ImpairedThere are no facilities that serve the visually impaired within a 300 feet radius.

Distance to Major Pedestrian AttractionsThere is a recreational park called George Izay Park a little less than half a mile down where visually impaired individuals might go to relax or to take their kids to play. The shopping centers are about a mile away.

Crosswalk Width

I estimated the crosswalk width to be between 60-to 72 feet wide since an average traffic lane is 10-12 feet and there are 6 lanes. There is potential for the individual with visual impairments to veer in this crosswalk because of the width.

Speed Limit (street being crossed)

The posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour which is standard.

Approach/Crosswalk Geometrics:

The curb radius seems to be less than 25 feet on all corners. There are no islands and medians or transverse slope on crosswalk. There are Apex curb ramps on all four corners. The slope of the curb ramp where the truncated domes are located are not aligned with the direction that pedestrians should travel. The curb ramp is placed directly to the center of the intersection. If the Individual with visual impairments has had any prior O&M trainings with street crossings they would have the training to know that aligning to cross is more effectively done with traffic and not the curb ramp. The placement of this curb ramp brings a greater difficulty to someone on a wheelchair.There is no channelized right turn lane but there is a specific right turn lane for travelers going North on Victory Blvd. turning right onto Olive Ave.The South crosswalk is skewed which makes it more difficult for individuals with visual impairments to maintain a straight line.

Pedestrian Signal ControlAt this crosswalk the pedestrian is required to push the button to cross. The intersection is fully actuated. My recommendation is that a pedestrian should always look a pedestrian signal especially at an unfamiliar area in order to guarantee that they get a walk cycle if the intersection is actuated.

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Vehicle Signal ControlIt is permitted for vehicles on the parallel street to turn right on a red light. There is also a leading protected left turn phase on the parallel street which makes it more difficult for the blind individual to go with the surge of their near side parallel traffic.

Distance to Alternative APS Crossing

There are no Alternative APS crosswalks within ½ a mile.

Pedestrian Pushbutton Location (either corner)

The Pedestrian push button is actually located appropriately for a blind traveler.

Requests for APS

There was an article in the LA Times about the new audible crosswalk installed at the request of Rosie Lobrutto, an individual with low vision who has Benson’s Syndrome. She had spoken to Laura Friedman a Glendale Councilwoman who was running for state assembly and asked her what she could do to improve her life. Rosie requested an audible pedestrian light. After getting clearance and about $2000 to install them they were ready for Rosie to use.

Conclusion:

After thoroughly analyzing the crosswalk I believe that the APS is necessary especially for individuals who have not had O&M training. I believe that if an individual has had O&M training then it is not completely necessary. I think the fact that the intersection has split phasing makes it confusing when there is chirping on the other side of the street an individual might cross on a Don’t Walk. I think an individual has to rely on their training and not completely rely on the audible cues. I believe that the APS could be improved by installing a variety of noises at each crosswalk.

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